Director of Development

Easterseals New Jersey • Jamesburg, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Development will lead a high-performing Development function serving communities across New Jersey. This role blends strategic leadership with active fundraising, strengthening revenue growth across individual, corporate, and foundation partnerships while building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and measurable impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of related experience in business development, strategic partnerships, major gifts, and donor relations.
• Must have familiarity in nonprofit campaigns, events, and communications.
• Proficient with donor and fundraising databases, grant management platforms, Microsoft Office, and marketing tools.
• Skilled at managing multiple deadlines, leading projects, and taking initiative as an experienced, self‑driven leader.

Responsibilities

• Help advance and evolve the Development team and fundraising strategy using digital and traditional approaches, managing new and old relationships across New Jersey, including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.
• Collaborate with programs team in advancing grants, major gifts, and corporate relationships.
• Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer to design and execute an integrated fundraising strategy aligned with enterprise priorities and long-term revenue sustainability.
• Lead and develop a focused Development team. Establish clear performance expectations, structured goal setting, and consistent coaching to drive strong execution and professional growth.
• Direct the management of a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects across New Jersey, ensuring strategic movement from identification through stewardship.
• Direct annual fund strategy, including segmentation, multi-channel campaign planning, messaging alignment, and performance analysis.
• Collaborate with program leaders to advance grant strategy and corporate partnerships, ensuring proposals are data-informed, impact-driven, and competitively positioned.
• Establish and monitor key fundraising performance indicators across donor acquisition, retention, portfolio movement, grant outcomes, and campaign effectiveness. Use insights to refine strategy and accelerate results.
• Oversee CRM integrity, donor pipeline reporting, and revenue forecasting. Present clear analysis and forward-looking projections to senior leadership and the Board.
• Equip and support Strategic Leadership Team members and Board leaders in fundraising engagement through preparation, accountability structures, and relationship strategy.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Advocacy, I&R, and Internal Communications to ensure consistent donor messaging and alignment with program and policy priorities.
• Track philanthropic and funding trends across New Jersey and proactively position the organization for emerging opportunities.
• Strengthen structured stewardship systems that deepen engagement, improve retention, and expand long-term donor investment.
• Embed inclusive and culturally responsive fundraising practices that reflect the communities served and broaden participation in philanthropy.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay & Benefits – Including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer-Paid Coverage – Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement Savings – 403(b) Plan with Employer Match
• Generous Time Off – Paid Time Off, Holidays, Medical Leave, and PTO Buy-Back options
• Convenience & Support – Direct Deposit, Payroll Cards, Mileage Reimbursement, and Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness & Recognition – Wellness Program, Referral Bonuses, and a Recognition Program
• Training & Development – Paid Orientation and Ongoing Training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director